Question

Is it possible to make a king cake without a mold?

Answer 1

Yes, it is possible to make a King Cake without a mold. While a traditional King Cake is typically formed into a ring shape using a special King Cake mold, you can still achieve a similar result without one. Here's a method for making a King Cake without a mold:

Ingredients: For the dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 3 large eggs

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• 1/4 cup melted butter

For the glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (green, gold, and purple)

For the decoration:

• Colored sugars (green, gold, and purple)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk until warm. Add the melted butter and warm water to the milk.
3. Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and add the eggs. Mix well until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle shape, about 14x18 inches.
8. For the filling, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if using).
9. Brush the melted butter over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the filling mixture evenly over the butter.
10. Starting from one of the longer edges, roll the dough tightly into a log.
11. Carefully transfer the rolled dough onto the prepared baking sheet, forming it into a ring shape. Pinch the ends together to seal.
12. Bake the King Cake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
13. While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Divide the glaze into three bowls and color each with green, gold, and purple food coloring.
14. Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the colored glazes over the top of the cake, alternating the colors.
15. Sprinkle the colored sugars over the glaze, alternating the colors in sections to create a festive look.
16. Let the glaze set before serving the King Cake.

While the shape of the King Cake may differ without a mold, the taste and spirit of the cake will still be enjoyed by all. Remember to hide a small trinket or figurine inside the cake before baking, as is tradition, and whoever finds it will be crowned "king" or "queen" for the day.